Looking for a Doctor and Care Fees
Healthcare System in the Czech Republic – Part Two
In this article, we will explore how doctors work in cooperation with health insurance companies. To make this article more user-friendly, we’ve opted for a Q&A format.
If I go to a private doctor’s office, does it mean I have to pay for the medical examination?
As mentioned in part one, visiting a private doctor’s office doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay for it. The majority of healthcare professionals in the Czech Republic are closely interconnected with health insurance companies. Thanks to your health insurance, you can access a variety of medical treatments free of charge. The doctor will subsequently bill the insurance company for the expenses.
There are two types of health insurance: public and commercial.
- Public health insurance is mandatory for those working on a main employment contract (Czech: HPP) or an agreement for performing work (DPČ); and for those holding a permanent residence permit or temporary protection in the Czech Republic.
The list of public health insurance companies (source: vzp.cz):
- Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna České republiky
- Vojenská zdravotní pojišťovna České republiky
- Česká průmyslová zdravotní pojišťovna
- Oborová zdravotní pojišťovna zaměstnanců bank, pojišťoven a stavebnictví
- Zaměstnanecká pojišťovna Škoda
- Zdravotní pojišťovna ministerstva vnitra České republiky
- RBP, zdravotní pojišťovna
- Commercial health insurance is not a substitute for public health insurance, but foreigners who don’t meet the conditions for participating in the public system (see above) can purchase it. It can be also used to cover some extra care. Commercial health insurance is not mandatory.
Among commercial health insurance companies are, for example:
- PVZP (Pojišťovna VZP, a.s.)
- UNIQA
- MAXIMA pojišťovna
- Slavia pojišťovna
Keep in mind: make sure to bring your health insurance card with you to the doctor’s appointment and show it along with your ID.
Will I have to pay for surgery or a more complex medical examination?
If you have public health insurance, most examinations (e.g., CT scans, X-rays, blood tests) and surgeries are covered. Exceptions include additional services and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, breast augmentation, or dental hygiene. If a doctor deems an examination or procedure medically necessary, the insurance company typically covers the cost.
Commercial health insurance works similarly, but the network of doctors who cooperate with a particular company may be limited. We recommend contacting your insurance company customer service for a list of contracted doctors. If you see a doctor outside this network, you might receive a bill that either you or your insurance company will cover, depending on your plan.
How to find a doctor?
You can search for doctors online using websites like znamylekar.cz. This website allows you to filter doctors by specialization, location, insurance company, and language. You can also read patients reviews and schedule appointments online.
Keep in mind that there are limitations to changing doctors. For example, you can change your GP once per year. If you need to change sooner, contact your health insurance company for guidance.
Each doctor may have a limited number of patients they can register according to their contract with the insurance company. If their patient list is full, it might be mentioned on their website, or the nurse might inform you that they are not accepting new patients.
Do you need help?
If you are having trouble finding a doctor or cannot communicate with them in Czech, you can schedule a social counselling appointment through our information line: +420 252 543 846.
If you already have a doctor but need assistance due to the language barrier, please contact our interculural workers. They will be happy to help you.
Read other articles from the series Healthcare System in the Czech Republic:
- Looking for a Doctor and Care Fees
